Who should you tip each December? And how much? While you might be on a tight budget (like the rest of the country), a gift or cash equivalent shows your appreciation better than just a thank you. Don't be a Scrooge. When you create your holiday shopping list or budget, remember to include the following.

By Deborah Goldstein
You probably already know the answer to this. But what's blatantly obvious to others is sometimes hard to reconcile. Maybe you have great physical chemistry, or he's everything you wanted "on paper." Or maybe you're just over being single. No one's perfecthe's not, and you're notbut if you recognize one of the following red flags in your guy, it might be time to consider moving on.

By Deborah Goldstein
You’d gladly spot a friend who’s short on cash at lunch. Or listen sympathetically while she vents about her significant other (or lack thereof). And of course you’d tell her, discreetly, if she had something stuck in her teeth. But would you lie for her?

By Deborah Goldstein
You’ve decided that 2012 is the year that financial worries, cranky kids, your bosswhatever or whoever is causing you griefwill not get the best of you. But how? Try meditation. It doesn’t require much time and once learned, doesn’t have to cost anything. It offers a respite from stress so effective it’s even shown to relieve chronic pain. Shed any new-agey stereotypes you may have and check out this guide to the most popular forms of meditation.

It softens and protects winter-battered skin, but did you know Vaseline also helps care for leather furniture? The following itemsfrom vanilla extract to blankets to cookie cutters (don't pack them away just yet!)are more versatile than you think.

While you make the rounds of parties and dinners this month, treat each host or hostess to a thoughtful gift that won't break your holiday budget. Books are surefire pleasers. And homemade anything works well if you have the time. These simple yet thoughtful gifts work equally well for a loved one or trusted individual in your life (teacher, manicurist, neighbor).

By Deborah Goldstein
Road trips with teens and preteens are fairly easy. As long as they can text and snack, they’re mostly self-contained. Younger children, however, don’t tolerate long rides with the same enviable apathy. For little ones, you’ll need some ammo. Here are 10 strategies to help you get from here to there this holiday season, relatively stress-free.